MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI AM5 (911-7D77-001) Motherboard Review

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Features
• Performance
• Pros & Cons
• Final Verdict

Introduction

The MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI AM5 motherboard is a solid choice for gamers and enthusiasts looking for a reliable platform for their latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors. This Micro-ATX board offers a compelling mix of features, including DDR5 support, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and ample expansion options, all at a competitive price point.

Features

The MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI AM5 is packed with features that make it a versatile choice for various build scenarios. Here are some of the highlights:

• AMD B650 Chipset: This chipset enables support for the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, offering impressive performance gains and new features like PCIe 5.0 and DDR5 memory.
• 4 x 2-Channel DDR5 Slots: The motherboard supports up to 128GB of DDR5 memory, providing ample capacity for demanding workloads and gaming.
• Wi-Fi 6E Connectivity: The integrated Wi-Fi 6E module delivers blazing-fast wireless speeds and a more stable connection for online gaming, streaming, and other network-intensive tasks.
• 2x PCI-E x16 Slots: The motherboard provides two PCI-E x16 slots, allowing users to install dual high-end graphics cards for maximum graphical power.
• 2x M.2 Slots: The MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI AM5 comes equipped with two M.2 slots, supporting both NVMe and SATA SSDs. This allows for fast and efficient storage configurations.
• 1x HDMI and 1x DP: The motherboard provides both HDMI and DisplayPort outputs, making it compatible with a wide range of displays.
• USB 23.2/2.0: The motherboard offers a comprehensive selection of USB ports, including USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C and USB 2.0 ports.
• MSI Core Boost: This technology ensures optimal power delivery to the CPU, enabling stable and high-performance operation.
• M-Flash: This feature allows users to quickly and easily update the BIOS without needing to install the operating system.

Specifications

Performance

The MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI AM5 delivers solid performance, as expected from a modern motherboard with the AMD B650 chipset. I paired this board with an AMD Ryzen 7 7700X processor and 32GB of DDR5-6000 memory. The system consistently delivered high frame rates in demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077 and Elden Ring, while multitasking was a breeze thanks to the powerful processor and ample memory.
The Wi-Fi 6E connectivity provided fast and reliable internet speeds, making online gaming and streaming a seamless experience.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Excellent performance with AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors
• Robust feature set including DDR5 support, Wi-Fi 6E, and ample expansion options
• Stable and reliable operation
• Competitive price point

Cons

• No built-in RGB lighting, which some users might miss
• The lack of a front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C header could be an inconvenience for some

Final Verdict

The MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI AM5 is a well-rounded motherboard that offers a balance of performance, features, and value. Its excellent support for the latest AMD Ryzen 7000 series processors, DDR5 memory, Wi-Fi 6E connectivity, and ample expansion options make it a compelling choice for gamers and enthusiasts. While it lacks some features like built-in RGB lighting and a front panel USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C header, these are minor shortcomings that don’t detract significantly from the overall experience. If you’re looking for a reliable and feature-rich Micro-ATX motherboard for your next AMD Ryzen 7000 build, the MSI PRO B650M-A WIFI AM5 is definitely worth considering.